Mobile seating arrangement

ABSTRACT

An improved folding mobile seating structure with a seat and back portion movable relative to a framework, providing more comfort for the user. The seat and back portion may be moved relative to the supporting framework structure as a unit in a pivotal motion relative to the framework, or the arrangement may allow some degree of articulation between the seat and the back. The seat and back portion may be pivotal between an upright seating condition and at least a partial recumbent condition, and optionally to a flat horizontal condition. Telescoping tubes may be utilized for connection of the seat and/or the back to the framework for allowing the pivotal motion. Hand release actuators adjacent the handles may allow the seat and back pivotal motion to initiate when pressed and lock the seat and back portion in a fixed pivotal position when released. Incremental foot rests may be provided for the comfort of the user, and an overcenter hinge arrangement prevents the folding mobile seating structure from partially folding front-to-back when the front wheels encounter a stationary object.

REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT

This is a continuation-in-part application of my prior U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 08/893,483 filed Jul. 11, 1997. This invention isan improvement to the invention disclosed and claimed in my U.S. Pat.No. 3,995,882, issued Dec. 7, 1976 and the teaching and technologythereof are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the movable seating structures generallycalled strollers, and more particularly to incorporation of the presentinvention in a foldable stroller of the type such as disclosed in myU.S. Pat. No. 3,995,882.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Prior art folding strollers, such as disclosed in my prior U.S. Pat. No.3,995,882, have been used for the transport of infants, children,invalids, persons partially paralyzed or suffering from somedebilitating disease or condition, wherein such person may be too weakto walk unassisted, and in other desired applications. Often it isdesired to have the stroller foldable so as to allow the stroller to beconveniently transported or stored when not in use. Such storage may be,for example, in the trunk of an automobile, under a bed, or the like.

When in use, however, such prior art foldable strollers provide only oneposition of the seat and back relative to the framework and/or thefolding structure. Such single position was not, in certain applicationsand uses, the most comfortable for the person being transported in thestroller. For example, if the person being so transported in thestroller falls asleep, a more recumbent position may be desired than isprovided in the upright seating condition. Additionally, when thestroller is pushed over or down some obstruction, such as a curb or thelike, it is desired for both comfort and safety, to shift the center ofgravity of the combined person and stroller so that the person does notfall from the stroller or undergo the sensation of being about to fallfrom the stroller. The seat and back structure must, at all times duringuse, provide secure seating conditions regardless of the relativemovement thereof with respect to the supporting framework. Forconvenient use, the weight of the entire structure must be kept to aminimum consistent with the safety requirements so that it may be easilycarried, moved and placed into and removed from a storage location byone person.

Definitions

In this specification, the following definition of terms used will beassumed.

An "X member" shall mean a two-element scissors-like assembly in whichthe two cross elements are elongated members pivotally attached togetherat their intermediate regions, the assembly having the generalappearance of an "X". The elements may lie substantially in a commonplane, such as the "X" member 14 in FIGS. 1-11 (except where they crossin the middle), or may have their elements on one side of the pivotalattachment lying generally in one plane and their elements on the otherside of the pivotal attachment generally lying in a nonparallel plane,such as the "X" member 104 in FIGS. 12-16. Due to the pivotal attachmentof the two cross elements, when the top or bottom element ends are drawntogether horizontally, the "X" member lengthens vertically, and viceversa. Likewise, when the left or right element ends are drawn togethervertically, the "X" member lengthens horizontally, and vice versa.

The term "collapsed" shall mean structurally reduced in dimension, as byfolding and/or the pivoting toward one another of pivotally joinedmembers.

The term "expanded" shall mean structurally increased in dimension, asby unfolding and/or the pivoting away from one another of pivotallyjoined members.

The terms "left", "right", "front", and "back" (or "rear") shall referto those positions as they pertain to the orientation of a personsitting in the mobile seating arrangement.

The term "framework" shall mean basic mobile seating arrangementstructure upon which, or with which, structure implementing features ofthe present invention can be placed or implemented. Typically, a"framework" will include the wheels, or other floor support structure,and associated connection members such as front and rear leg members.

Describing Elements of Construction and Functions in a SymmetricalApparatus

Due to the symmetry of the mobile seating arrangement about afront-to-rear center line, the right side counterparts of elements ofthe construction are not visible in the various left elevation viewspresented in the accompanying drawing.

For convenience in describing such left elevation views, only theelements visible from the left will be described as singular elements.It will be understood that corresponding elements of the apparatus whichwould only be viewed from a right elevation depiction exist and havecorresponding physical and mechanical features and functions.Occasionally, it is more reasonable to refer to symmetrical parts in aplural sense, such as mentioning arm rests, even though the view beingdescribed shows only one arm rest. It will be understood, therefore,that where singular terminology is used for elements that obviously havemirror image counterparts, such singular terminology is used forconvenience only.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a more comfortablemobile seating structure.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a mobileseating structure in which the seat and the back portion thereof may bemoved relative to the supporting framework structure.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a mobileseating structure in which the seat and the back portion may begenerally moved as a unit in a pivotal motion relative to the frameworkor supporting structure.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a secure mobileseating arrangement in which the seat and back portion are pivotallymoved as a unitary structure relative to the framework and which allowssome degree of articulation between the seat and the back and is lightin weight.

While the present invention has particular utility in the field offolding strollers, such application is not limiting, since theprinciples of the present invention may be adapted to wheel chairs,other mobile seating arrangements whether foldable or not, or even tostationary seating arrangements. The following description showing theadaptation of the present invention to a folding stroller is forpurposes of illustrating the broad application of the structure of thepresent invention.

The above, and other objects of the present invention, are achieved byincorporating, in a folding stroller structure having a frameworkportion, a seat and back portion which are unitarily movably mounted onthe framework portion for pivotal movement between a seating conditionand a partial recumbent position. The sides of the seat and the sides ofthe back incorporate rigid tubes which are connected to each other atthe bottom of the back and the rear of the seat. The connection betweenthe seat and back tubes may be rigid to provide a fixed angle betweenthe seat and the back for all pivotal positions on the framework or theseat may be pivotally connected to the back for limited movement of theback relative to the seat to change the angle therebetween for variouspositions of the seat and back relative to the framework. Telescopingtubes may be utilized for connection of the seat and/or the back to theframework for allowing the pivotal motion.

Other embodiments of the present invention, as described below,incorporate various other structures for achieving the desired pivotalmovement of the seat and back portion with respect to the framework.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The above, and other embodiments of the present invention may be morefully understood from the following detailed description taken togetherwith the accompanying drawing wherein similar reference characters referto similar elements throughout and in which:

FIG. 1 is a right side perspective view of a mobile seating arrangementin accordance with one embodiment of the invention, showing the seat andback portion in an upright position;

FIG. 2 is a similar view to that of FIG. 1, but with the seat and backportion reclined to a recumbent position:

FIG. 3 is a left side elevation view of the FIG. 1 embodiment, showingthe main structural components and their mechanical relationship whenthe seat and back portion is in the upright position;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to that of FIG. 3, but with the seat and backportion in the recumbent position;

FIG. 5 is a rear elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 with theseat in the upright position;

FIG. 6 is a left side elevation view similar to that of FIG. 4, but withthe folding framework structure partially collapsed into a stowawaycondition;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to that of FIG. 6, but with the apparatus fullycollapsed into a stowaway condition;

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of the fully collapsed mobile seatingarrangement, i.e. as would be viewed from the left of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a left side, somewhat rearwardly view of the mechanismencompassed by the cutaway line indication 9 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 10 is a partial cross sectional view of the left rigid side memberand telescoping tube, taken along the lines 10--10 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 11 is a left side, somewhat rearwardly view of the mechanismencompassed by the cutaway line indication 11 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 12 is a right side perspective view of the mobile seatingarrangement in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of theinvention, showing the seat and back portion in an upright position;

FIG. 13 is a similar view to that of FIG. 12, but with the seat and backportion reclined to a recumbent position:

FIG. 14 is a left side elevation view of the FIG. 12 embodiment, showingthe main structural components and their mechanical relationship whenthe seat and back portion is in the upright position;

FIG. 15 is a view similar to that of FIG. 14, but with the seat and backportion in the recumbent position;

FIG. 16 is a view similar to that of FIG. 15, but with the apparatusfully collapsed into a stowaway condition;

FIG. 17 is a right side perspective view of the mobile seatingarrangement in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention,showing the seat and back portion in an upright position;

FIG. 18 is a similar view to that of FIG. 17, but with the seat and backportion reclined to a recumbent position:

FIG. 19 is a left side elevation view of the FIG. 17 embodiment, showingthe main structural components and their mechanical relationship whenthe seat and back portion is in the upright position;

FIG. 20 is a view similar to that of FIG. 19, but with the seat and backportion in the recumbent position;

FIG. 21 is a partial cross sectional view of the left rigid side memberand telescoping tube, taken along the lines 21--21 in FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a view similar to that of FIG. 20, but with the apparatusfully collapsed into a stowaway condition;

FIG. 23 is a right side perspective view of the mobile seatingarrangement in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the inventionshowing the seat and back portion in an upright position;

FIG. 24 is a similar view to that of FIG. 23 with the seat and backportion reclined to a recumbent position;

FIG. 25 is a left side elevation view of the FIG. 23 embodiment, showingthe main structural components and their mechanical relationship whenthe seat and back portion is in the upright position;

FIG. 26 is a view similar to that of FIG. 25, but with the seat and backportion in the recumbent position;

FIG. 27 is a view similar to that of FIG. 26, but with the apparatusfully collapsed into a stowaway condition;

FIG. 28 is a left side perspective view of the mobile seatingarrangement in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the inventionshowing the seat and back portion in an upright position;

FIG. 29 is a view similar to that of FIG. 28 with the seat and backportion reclined to a recumbent position;

FIG. 30 is a left side elevation view of the FIG. 28 embodiment, showingthe main structural components and their mechanical relationship whenthe seat and back portion is in the upright position, the seat and backcovers, handlebars, and foot rest assemblies not shown for convenience;

FIG. 31 is a view similar to that of FIG. 25, but with the seat and backportion in the recumbent position, the seat and back covers, handlebars,and foot rest assemblies not shown for convenience;

FIG. 32 is a view similar to that of FIG. 31, but with the apparatusfully collapsed into a stowaway condition;

FIG. 33 is a left side elevational view of the top portion of the fifthembodiment showing a variation of the hand actuator mechanism;

FIG. 34 is an isolated view of the hand release actuator mechanism shownin FIGS. 28-31 as would be viewed from the front of the mobile seatingarrangement;

FIG. 35 is a view similar to that of FIG. 34, but as would be viewedfrom the left side of the mobile seating arrangement;

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the hand release actuator mechanismtaken along the line 36--36 in FIG. 35;

FIG. 37 is a left side partial cross-sectional view of the foot restposition latch; and

FIG. 38 is a front elevational view of the foot rest position latch.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the detailed description that follows, all references to right andleft parts followed by two reference numerals are to be understood tohave respective part and reference numeral correspondences. Furthermore,since right-side mirrored counterparts cannot be seen in a leftelevational view, it is to be understood that the mention of a viewablepart and its single reference numeral suggests that a mirroredcorresponding part exists on the right side as well.

Embodiment of FIGS. 1-11

Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 11 of the drawing, there is illustratedan embodiment of the present invention generally designated 10, which isprovided with a folding framework 12 having a first or rear "X" member14 in the framework back 16 and a second or front "X" member 18 in theframework front 20. A seat and back portion 22 having a back member 24and a seat member 26 are coupled together for a pivotal relationtherebetween at right and left couplers 28 and 30. The seat and backportion 22 may have a fabric covering as illustrated as back fabriccovering 24a and seat fabric covering 26a, or any other desired supportfor the person using the embodiment 10, for example webs, straps, ropes,bands, etc.

Rigid right and left side members 32 and 34 are provided on the backmember 24, and rigid right and left side members 36 and 38 are providedon the seat member 26 for connection to the back member 24 at right andleft couplers 28 and 30.

Right and left arm posts 70 and 72 are fixed to, and extend outwardlyfrom, the rigid side members 32 and 34. Right and left pivot couplings40 and 42 are provided between the extended ends of right and left armposts 70 and 72 of the seat and back portion 22 and the tops of rightand left leg members 74 and 76 of folding framework 12, to allow theseat and back portion 22 to move, i.e. tilt, in the directions of thearrow 44 (FIG. 2) relative to folding framework 12 as shown in FIG. 2,or in the direction of arrow 44b in FIG. 4.

Right and left telescoping tubes 46 and 48 are connected to the rightand left handles 50 and 52 and telescope into and out of the right andleft rigid side members 32 and 34 of the back member 24.

Folding framework 12 has right and left base members 54 and 56 in whichright and left telescoping tubes 58 and 60 are slidably mounted. Thetelescoping tubes 58 and 60 are pivotally connected by right and leftpivot couplers 62 and 64 to the fronts of right and left rigid sidemembers 36 and 38.

As the seat and back portion 22 is move from the position shown in FIG.1 to the position shown in FIG. 2, the telescoping tubes 46 and 48 moveout of the rigid side members 32 and 34, and the telescoping tubes 58and 60 move out of the base members 54 and 56. Such movement of thetelescoping tubes allows the seat and back portion 22 to move to therecumbent position of FIG. 2 from the upright seating position ofFIG. 1. The backward pivotal movement of the seat and back portion 22moves the center of gravity of the embodiment 10, and the personutilizing the embodiment 10, rearwardly for safer control in going overobstacles, such as going down curbs, as well as for providing a morecomfortable sleep position, as seen in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is a left elevational view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 1,with the seat and back portion 22 in the upright position. In thisposition, the seat member 26 and the back member 24 are essentially atright angles to one another. In this condition, a sliding connectorbracket 13 (only sliding connector bracket 13 is shown in FIGS. 3-11)which is adapted to slide axially along leg member 76 is shownapproximately at the center of leg member 76. Also, in this condition ofthe mobile seating arrangement, the seat and back portion 22 is in theupright position, and the folding framework of the apparatus is fullyexpanded for use as a functional stroller when it is desired that theperson riding in the stroller be situated in a standard uprightposition. Also, a slotted bar 23 has its elongated slot 47 engaging aslot pin 41 fixed to a short stub 49 on the base member 56. The oppositeend of slotted bar 23 is pivotally attached to leg member 76 by aslotted bar pivot pin 51 as best seen in FIG. 2 (and 9 and 11, describedhereinafter).

The front "X" member 18 is in its fully horizontally expanded conditionas viewed in FIGS. 1 and 2.

In FIG. 4, the handle 52 (only handle 52 shown in the left view) ispulled out of rigid side member 34 in a telescoping fashion, and sincethe bottom of the rear "X" member 14 is pivotally coupled to theframework 12 at the rear "X" member pivot 61, the back portion 24 may betilted at any angle permitted by the lengths of telescoping tubes 48 and60, shown by way of example in FIG. 4 at about 50 degrees from thevertical, as compared to the approximately 5 degree angle from verticalin the upright position shown in FIG. 3. Angles different from thosedepicted are achievable, dependent upon need.

Because of the need for the base of back 24 to move forward to attainthe angle shown in FIG. 4, due to the connection of the seat member 26to the telescoping tube 60 by the pivot coupler 64, the telescoping tube60 likewise extends in telescoping fashion out of base member 56.

FIGS. 9 and 11 show, respectively, a portion of the mechanicalarrangement of FIGS. 3 and 4 indicated in those earlier figures by acorresponding cutaway designator. FIG. 9 shows the relative positions ofimportant functional members when the seat is in the upright condition,and FIG. 11 shows the same elements with the seat in the fully reclinedposition. The rigid side member 34 represents the position of the backmember 24, while the rigid side member 38 represents the position of theseat member 26.

A U-shaped pivot coupler 64 is fixed to rigid side member 38 forpivotally supporting the upper end of telescoping tube 60. Base member56 is part of folding framework 12. A slant tube 17 is fixed to the basemember 56, and its extended end is pivotally connected to the slidingconnector bracket 13 by pivot pin 15. At the lower end of slidingconnector bracket 13, a U-shaped pivot support bracket 19 is bolted to,and provides a pivot joint 21 for, the end of the upper leg of front "X"member 18. The bottom leg of front "X" member 18 is affixed to arotatable extension tube 27 which is rotatably coupled to the leg member76. Since the stroller is in a usable, i.e. expanded, condition, the pinor bolt 41 is at the forward end of the slot 47 in slotted bar 23. Inthis condition, the telescoping tube 60 is fully enclosed within thebase member 56.

FIG. 10 shows a cross sectional view of the telescoping arrangement inthe back member 24, the view of FIG. 10 taken along the lines 10--10 inFIG. 4. In this figure, it can be seen that the telescoping tube 48,leading to the handle 52, has a piston 53 at its lower end sliding alongthe inner surface of hollow rigid side member 34. A bearing 55 is shownat the top of rigid side member 34 in a manner as would be understood bya person of ordinary skill in the art.

In FIG. 11, the seat and back portion 22 is again represented by therigid side member 34 of the back member and rigid side member 38 of theseat member. Even though the seat and back portion has been tiltedbackwards in the FIG. 11 arrangement, the angle between the back and theseat is still approximately 90 degrees as it was in the upright positionof FIG. 9. However, because of the tilting of the seat and back portionupwardly and rearwardly, respectively, and the connection between therigid side members 34 and 38 at coupler 30, the end of telescoping tube60 is pulled outwardly and upwardly by the pivot coupler 64 to theextent that the axis of base member 56 and telescoping tube 60 liessubstantially parallel to the rigid side member 38 of the seat member26. It should be noted that the slotted bar 23 is still at the sameposition as it was in FIG. 9, i.e. the integrity of framework 12 remainsconstant as the seat and back portion 22 moves from the upright to therecumbent positions. In this connection, the pivoting action of the seatand back portion 22 is made possible by the pivot coupling 42 at the topof leg member 76. That is, the entire seat and back portion 22 pivotsabout pivot coupling point 42.

It is to be noted that, in comparing the arrangements shown in FIGS. 3and 4, the only members which pivot when tilting the seat and backportion 22 are the back and seat portion 22 and the rear "X" member 14.Of course, the arm posts 72, fixed to the back 24 follow the backmovement and are pivoted at pivot coupling 42. As explained, in order toaccommodate the tilting of the seat from the position shown in FIG. 3 tothat shown in FIG. 4 and back to the position in FIG. 3, the innertelescoping tube 48 of handle 52 and the inner telescoping tube 60extend outwardly from their confining outer respective telescopingtubes, rigid side member 34 and base member 60. The remaining frameworkportion of the mobile seating arrangement remains stationary during thismovement of the seat and back portion from one extreme to the othershown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

Importantly, in the unfolded condition shown in FIGS. 1-4, the slottedbar 23 provides rigidity for the structure, keeping sliding connectorbracket 13 from moving from its position along leg member 76. For solong as slotted bar 23 is fully extended, sliding connector bracket 13is fixed in place, and the seat member 26 and back member 24 are kept atright angles. As will be described hereinafter, the seat member 26 andback member 24 may fold toward one another as slotted bar 23 slidesrelative to pin 41.

FIG. 11 also shows the possibility of extending the rigid side member 38of the seat member 26 forwardly to provide a deeper seat support, ifdesired. For this purpose, a tubular seat extension 29 telescopes intothe rigid side member 38, and a latch pin 31 sets the seat extension 29at a desired forward projected position. By moving the seat extension 29into and out of rigid side member 38 and fixing the latch pin 31 indifferent holes 33 along rigid side member 38, the seat extension 29 canassume a number of possible, selectable positions.

With the seat returned to the FIGS. 1 and 3 condition, i.e. with thehandles 50, 52 telescoped into rigid side members 32 and 34, FIG. 5shows the rear view of the stroller, from which it can be seen that ahinged strut 39 is provided, connected between the bottom of basemembers 54 and 56. The hinged strut 39 is of a common design in whichthe strut folds (hinges) at its middle when the mobile seatingarrangement is collapsed. The hinged strut 39 is hidden from view inFIGS. 1 and 2, but has the appearance identically the same as that shownin FIGS. 12 and 13 of another embodiment of the invention and shownthere as hinged strut 139. The hinged strut 39 (FIG. 5) has its hinge atthe center of the strut moved upwardly to permit the framework tocollapse inwardly as the "X" members 14 and 18 collapse to approachvertical parallelism.

Thus, it will be appreciated that the hinged strut 39 is the only rigidconnection from left to right sides of the folding framework 12, andonce hinged, the "X" members 14 and 18 permit complete side-to-sidecollapsing of the apparatus to the condition shown in the side and frontviews of the collapsed stroller in FIGS. 7 and 8.

In addition to collapsing inwardly left-to-right, it is also requiredfor minimum stowaway size that the mobile seating arrangement collapsefront-to-back as well.

To accomplish this, the mobile seating arrangement of FIGS. 1-11 providefor collapsing of folding framework 12 in two stages, insofar ascollapsing the arrangement front-to-back is concerned. First, as wasseen in FIGS. 9 and 11, regardless of the position of the seat in eitherthe upright or recumbent position, the sliding connector bracket 13remains at the same position along leg member 76.

However, if the handle 52 is restrained from moving upwardly, and theseat member 26 is hinged upwardly toward the back member 24, asindicated by arrow 57a in FIG. 6, this forces the telescoping tube 60 tobe extended, which in turn causes the base member 56 to pivotrearwardly.

In FIG. 6, such pivoting of base member 56 is approximately halfwaythrough its rotational limits, and this is evident by reference to thefixed slant tube 17 which, in all configurations shown in FIGS. 1-14 ishorizontal to the ground, and yet in FIG. 6 it is shown to be movedangularly clockwise by about 45 degrees.

Since the free end of slant tube 17 is pivotally coupled to the slidingconnector bracket 13, bracket 13 slides upwardly along leg member 76.However, leg member 76 carries the pivotal connection of the upperelement of front "X" member 18. Since the lower end of front "X" member18 is connected to a rotatable extension tube 27 the axis of which isfixed relative to leg member 76, the front "X" member 18 begins tocollapse toward vertical parallelism. That is, as sliding connectorbracket 13 moves upwardly, the front "X" member 18 serves to draw in theleft and rights sides of the folding framework 12 by drawing leg members74 and 76 together. The hinged strut 39 and rear "X" member 14 follow inlike manner, i.e. the elements of these two movable structural elementstend to move into vertical parallelism as well.

With the folding framework 12 completely collapsed side-to-side, i.e.similar to the condition shown in FIG. 6 except that the seat member 26is moved to be approximately parallel to the plane of the back member24, the front framework 20 still projects forwardly.

However, upon movement of the lower end of front framework 20 in thedirection of arrow 57c shown in FIG. 6, the slotted bar 23 movesrearwardly such that the slot pin 41 slides along slot 47 until it is inthe position relative to slotted bar 23 as shown in FIG. 7. At thatpoint, the entire folding framework 12 is fully collapsed bothside-to-side and front-to-rear.

Embodiment of FIGS. 12-16

FIGS. 12 through 16 show a second embodiment generally designated 100.The embodiment 100 has a folding framework member 102 having a rear "X"member 104 in the framework rear 106 and a front "X" member 108 in theframework front 110 to allow for folding of the framework 102side-to-side.

A seat and back member 112 has a seat portion 114 and a back portion 116which are provided with a fabric covering or any other means forsupporting weight between spaced rigid bar members, such as webs,straps, rope, bands, etc.

Rigid side members 118 and 120 are provided for the back portion 116,and rigid side members 122 and 124 are provided in the seat portion 114.

The seat portion 114 is connected to the back portion 116 at connections130 and 132. The connections 130 and 132 may be fixed or pivotal. Theside members 118 and 120 of the back portion 116 are pivotally connectedto "X" member 104 in regions adjacent the top as indicated at pivotconnections 126 and 128, and the side members 118 and 120 are alsopivotally connected to front legs 140 and 142 of the framework 102employing pivot brackets 144 and 146 which are located between the pivotconnections 126 and 128 and the seat/back connections 130 and 132. Therigid side members 122 and 124 of the seat portion 114 are pivotallyconnected at their underside to telescoping tubes 150 and 152 by pivotcouplers 154 and 156. The telescoping tubes 150 and 152 move into andout of rear legs 160 and 162 of the framework 102 as the embodiment 100moves between the upright and recumbent positions shown in FIGS. 12 and13, respectively and in FIGS. 14 and 15, respectively.

Because of the positions of the pivot points in embodiment 100, thefront legs 140 and 142 of the framework 102 move toward the rear legs160 and 162 as the seat and back member 112 moves from the positionshown in FIGS. 12 and 14 to the position shown in FIGS. 13 and 15. Theseviews of the second embodiment assume a rigid nonpivotable connectionbetween the seat portion 114 and back portion 116 at connections 130 and132.

If the connection 132 is not a pivotal connection, i.e. if it is fixed,then the sliding connector bracket 113 is forced to be maintained at theposition along front leg 142 which permits the 90 degree angle formationof the seat and back member.

For the variation of this embodiment of the invention in which theconnection 132 is a pivotal connection, if it is desired that a 90degree angle be maintained for the seat and back member 112, the slidingconnector bracket 113 must be kept at the aforementioned particularposition along front leg 142. This is made possible by the provision ofa latch 123 hinged to front leg 142 by a latch hinge 129. The latch pin125, for providing a pivoting connection for the top end of front "X"member 108, projects outwardly from sliding connector bracket 113slightly to form a latch pin collar about which a slot 131 in the latch123 is engaged. By such engagement of the slot 131 about the collar oflatch pin 125, the sliding connector bracket 113 is selectively held ata fixed position along front leg 142, and therefore the seat and backmember 112 will remain in a substantially 90 degree angle formation atall positions of the seat and back member 112 between the uprightposition shown in FIGS. 12 and 14 and the recumbent position shown inFIGS. 13 and 15.

On the other hand, in the embodiments wherein the connections 130 and132 are pivotal connections, the seat portion 114 may move to have agreater angle with respect to the back portion 116 than thesubstantially 90 degree angle for the upright seating position of FIG.12. For example, referring to the side view in FIG. 14 of thisembodiment, it will be noted that the seat and back portion 112 forms asubstantially right angle. With the seat and back portion 112 forming aright angle, the sliding connector bracket 113 is positioned at aparticular location along the length of front leg 142, and latch 123 isunlatched from latch pin 125. That is, sliding connector bracket 113 nowmay be slid up and down along front leg 142 which, in turn, moves slanttube 117 along with it. Slant tube 117 is pivotally mounted to slidingconnector bracket 113 by a pivot pin 115.

In the condition shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, and assuming connections 130and 132 are pivotal connections, the front of each rigid side member 124rests on the upper end of slant tube 117 so as not to permit the seatportion 114 to tip forward.

Since slant tube 117 is fixed to rear leg 162, and since the telescopingtube 152 connects to the rigid side member 124 of the seat portion 114,the seat portion 114 is forced to pivot about the seat/back connection132, if indeed the seat/back connection 132 is a pivotal connection.Therefore, without latch 123 latched, as the rigid side members 118 and120 of back portion 116 pivot in the direction of arrow 127a (FIG. 15),this tends to put the plane of the seat portion 114 into the plane ofthe back portion 116, i.e. the seat and back member 112 approaches aflat support surface with the seat portion 114 tilting further andfurther forwardly due to the movement of pivot connection 132 movingupwardly and forwardly while the rigid side member 124 of seat portion114 still rests (in a sliding and pivoting manner) on the top of slanttube 117. Without latch 123 maintaining sliding connector bracket 113 ina fixed position, sliding connector bracket 113 is free to move slightlydownwardly along front leg 142. Thus, in the position of the back rigidside member 120 shown in FIG. 15, the seat portion 124 would be at anangle substantially the same as that of back rigid side member 120, asis clear from a simple mechanical analysis whereby the seat rigid sidemember 124 extends from pivot connection 132 to the upper end of slanttube 117.

This embodiment of the invention will thus be useful for those occasionswhere an individual being carried by the mobile seating arrangement mustbe assisted in getting out of the mobile seating arrangement by theprovision of a seat that tilts forward. Accomplishing this is quitesimple with this embodiment of the invention, by pulling back on thehandle portions 141 and 143.

When latch 123 is latched with the collar of latch pin 125, and the seatand back member 112 is pivoted backwards as shown by arrow 127a in FIG.15, the handle end of rigid side member 120 is pivoted about offsetpivot coupler 128 in the direction of arrow 127b. As described above,the latched condition forces the seat portion 114 and pack portion 116to maintain a 90 degree angle with respect to each other. This causesthe telescoping tube 152 to move out of rear leg 162 in the direction ofarrow 127c. From the mechanics illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, it willbe appreciated that when the rigid side member 120 is rotated aboutpivot bracket 146 in the direction of arrow 127a until it issubstantially parallel with the arm rest portion 147 of the front leg142, the telescoping tube 152 is at its maximum extension out of rearleg 162. At that position, unlatching the latch 123 permits slidingconnector bracket 113 to be slid down front leg 142 until it abuts thelatch hinge 129. At this position of sliding connector bracket 113, theslant tube 117 has been pulled downwardly to its furthest extent, andthe rear leg 162 and telescoping tube 152 follow. This action pivots theseat portion 114 downwardly until it is substantially in a planarrelationship to the back portion 116. While these relative positions ofthe seat portion 114, back portion 116, arm rest portion 145, andsliding connector bracket 113 are not shown in the drawing, a basicmechanical analysis of the arrangement shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 will beself-evident to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

It will also be understood from basic mechanical analysis in viewingFIGS. 14-16 that, when the latch 123 is unlatched, and seat portion 114is pivoted in the direction of arrow 127a toward the back portion 116,the sliding connector bracket 113 slides up front leg 142. Since the topof "X" member 108 is pivotally connected to the latch pin 125 (whichalso serves as the latch pin collar for latch 123), the top ends of "X"member 108 are likewise pulled upwardly tending to collapse the "X"framework horizontally. Because the lower end of "X" member 108 is fixedto the rotatable extension tube 149 which is axially fixed to the frontleg 142, the "X" member 108 is forced to collapse inwardly towardvertical parallelism of the two cross members comprising the "X" member108. This action draws the left and right front legs together, which inturn through the connection of the front legs 140 and 142 with the rigidside members 118 and 120 of the back portion 116, causes the crossmembers of the rear "X" member 104 to collapse horizontally, i.e. towardvertical parallelism.

Similarly, with the slant tube 117 being pulled rearwardly by thepivoting of the seat portion 114 rearwardly, the front leg 142 is pulledbackwards, and the entire mobile seating arrangement thus collapses bothside-to-side inwardly and front-to-rear inwardly. Of course, prior tocollapsing the mobile seating arrangement, the hinged strut 139 (FIG.13) must be unlocked and hinged upwardly to permit the side-to-sidecollapsing motion.

When maximum collapsing motion in both planes is complete, the foldedstructure has the appearance shown in FIG. 16. In FIG. 16, it will benoted that the seat portion 114 has been hinged to be parallel with theback portion 116, the sliding connector bracket 113 has been moved toits maximum height along front leg 142, the front and rear "X" members108 and 104 are in their maximum horizontally collapsed state, and thetelescoping tube 150 is nominally extended to permit the rigid sidemembers 118 and 120 to have a forward attitude such that the entiremobile seating arrangement is of minimal dimension in the front-to-reardimension.

Embodiment of FIGS. 17-22

FIGS. 17 through 22 illustrate an embodiment 200 of the presentinvention which has a framework 202 and a seat and back member 204. Theseat and back member 204 has a seat portion 206 and a back portion 208,both of which may be fabric covered or be provided with any other meansfor supporting weight between spaced rigid bar members, such as webs,straps, rope, bands, etc.

The seat portion 206 has rigid side members 210 and 212. The backportion 208 has rigid side members 214 and 216 which are connected tothe side members 210 and 212 of seat portion 206 at connections 218 and220 fixed to the lower ends of rigid side members 214 and 216.

The framework 202 has a rear "X" member 222 at the framework rear 224and a front "X" member 226 at the front 228. The framework 202 has apair of front legs 201 and 203 extending forwardly from the back portion208 to the front wheel journals 205 and 207. The tops of front legs 201and 203 are bent to form arm rests 209 and 211.

The framework has a pair of side tubes 230 and 232 pivotally coupled tothe arm rests 209 and 211, respectively, by pivot connectors 213 and 215intermediate the ends of side tubes 230 and 232 as best seen in FIGS. 19and 20. The rigid side members 214 and 216 are slidably mounted foraxial movement within side tubes 230 and 232 in the directions indicatedby the arrow 240 (FIG. 17) as the embodiment 200 moves from the uprightposition shown in FIGS. 17 and 19 to the recumbent positions shown inFIGS. 18 and 20.

The handles 244 and 246 extend into the rigid side members 214 and 216of back portion 208 and are slidably movable therein for movement inaxial directions as the embodiment 200 moves from the upright positionshown in FIGS. 17 and 19 to the recumbent position shown in FIGS. 18 and20.

The lower end of rear "X" member 222 is pivotally connected to the rearlegs 250 and 252 at the lower rear "X" member pivots 254 and 256 whichpermit left-to-right and front-to-rear pivoting of the rear "X" member222 for both left-to-right folding movement and movement towards andaway from the framework front 228. The upper end of the rear "X" memberis pivotally connected to the handles 244 and 246 by pivot connectors221 and 223, again for dual pivoting action both front-to-rear relativeto handles 244 and 266, and left-to-right effective when folding theframework 202 inwardly side-to-side. The rigid side members 210 and 212of the seat portion 206 are pivotally connected to arms 260 and 262 atpivot points 264 and 266. The arms 260 and 262 are rigidly coupled totelescoping tubes 268 and 270 which telescope into and out of rear legs250 and 252.

As indicated above, the seat/back connections 218 and 220 are fixed tothe lower ends of rigid side members 214 and 216 of the back portion208. As best viewed in FIGS. 19 and 20, front and back seat attachmentpoints 217 and 219 attach the rigid side members 210 and 212 of the seatportion 206 to the respective connections 218 and 220. If bothattachment points 217 and 219 are connected to the rigid side member212, the seat portion 206 remains at approximately a right angle to theback portion 208 in both the upright and recumbent positions as shown inFIGS. 17, 19 and 18, 20, respectively. However, it was indicatedpreviously that the seat portions of the invention can be articulatedrelative to the back portions, and this would be the case if either oneof the attachment points 217 or 219 was removed, permitting the seatportion 206 and back portion 208 to pivot relative to one another aboutthe other attachment point.

Since the mechanical arrangements shown in FIGS. 17-20 are substantiallyto scale, if, for example, the attachment point 219 shown in FIG. 19 isdisengaged, and likewise the similar attachment point on the right sideof the mobile seating arrangement (not visible in the drawing), as theback portion 208 is pivoted backward about pivot connectors 213 and 215,and the rear "X" member 222 likewise pivots backward about lower rear"X" member pivots 254 and 256, the handles 244 and 246 move downwardlyas indicated by arrow 225a, the back portion 208, pivoting about pivotconnectors 213 and 215, forces the bottom of the back portion to pivotabout pivot connectors 213 and 215, as shown by arrow 225b.

At the same time, the seat portion 206 is forced forwardly by theattachment point 217 to the lower end of the back portion 208. Thetelescoping tube 270 necessarily moves out of rear legs 250 and 252 asindicated by arrow 225c, and, due to the pivot points 264 and 266 onarms 260 and 262, the seat portion 206 tends to become more horizontal.Moreover, while the back portion 208 continues to recline backwardbecoming more horizontal, the seat portion 206 continues to tilt forwardbecoming more horizontal. An extension of this mechanical analysis willproduce an arrangement of the seat and back member 204 to be such thatthe back portion 208 and the seat portion 206 lie in a common horizontalplane (not shown). This embodiment of the invention will thus be usefulfor those occasions where an individual being carried by the mobileseating arrangement must be carried in a fully reclined position.

In the condition that attachment point 219 is removed, the seat portion206 is free to articulate about seat attachment point 217. The seatportion 206 is horizontal in FIG. 19, and therefore, upon movement ofthe handles 244 and 246 backwards, the back portion 208 begins torecline continuously, while the seat portion 206 is pushed forward.However, as the seat portion 206 rotates away from the back portin 208,the distance between pivot 215 and pivot 266 increases, forcing thetelescoping tube 270 to extend. In effect, this tends to keep the seatportion 206 substantially horizontal. This embodiment of the mobileseating arrangement thus provides a more comfortable resting positionfor the person using it, without need to alter the position of theuser's legs or lower body portion.

FIG. 21 shows the dual telescoping arrangement comprising the side tube232, the rigid side member 216 of the back portion 208, and one of thehandles 246. At the end of handle 246, there is placed a piston 237wiping against the inner surface of rigid side member 216. A bearing235, as is commonly provided in telescoping arrangements, is shown atthe top of rigid side member 216. Likewise, bearings 239 and 241 at thetop and bottom of the side tube 232 permit the side tube 232 to slideeasily along the outer surface of rigid side member 216 and preventcontamination of the space between these two members. The variouspositions of the handles 244 and 246, the rigid tubes 214 and 216, andthe side tubes 230 and 232 are visible in FIGS. 19, 20, and 22 showingthe hidden members in those figures in dashed lines.

The mobile seating arrangement of FIGS. 17-22 is collapsiblefront-to-rear and side-to-side by observing the progression of theapparatus from FIG. 19 wherein the seat and back member 204 is in anupright position, to FIG. 20 in which the seat and back member 204 istilted backward, and finally to FIG. 22 in which the attachment point219 has been withdrawn, and the seat portion 206 is pivoted upwardlyagainst the back portion 208.

Prior to collapsing the mobile seating arrangement, the hinged strut 245must, of course, be released by pivoting its center in a manner commonlyknown in the art.

At the same time, a brace 233, pivoted on the front leg 203 at a pivotpoint 227 and slidably pivotable about a pivot point 229 fixed to rearleg 252 through a slot 231 in brace 233, permits the front and rear legs203 and 252 to lie adjacent one another axially. As part of the foldingor collapsing action, as the handle 246 moves forwardly, the rear "X"member 222 pivots forwardly about lower rear "X" member pivot 256, andall of this action results in the front-to-back collapsed position shownin FIG. 22. Concerning the collapsing of the mobile seating arrangementof this embodiment side-to-side, the movement upwardly of the slidingconnector bracket 243, to which the top of rear leg 252 and the top offront "X" member 226 are pivotally attached, the front "X" member 226 isforced to collapse inwardly side-to-side, and the rear "X" member 222follows this action by also collapsing side-to-side drawing the handles244 and 246 further outwardly from rigid side member 216 of the backportion 208, as required.

Embodiment of FIGS. 23-27

Embodiment 300 is shown on FIGS. 23 through 27 and has a framework 302provided with a rear "X" member 304 at the rear 306 and a front "X"member 308 at the front 310. A seat and back member 312, having a seatportion 314 and a back portion 316, is mounted on the framework 302. Theback portion 316 has rigid side members 320 and 322, and the handles 324and 326 have portions 328 and 330 that telescope into and out of therigid side members 320 and 322 of the back portion 316.

The seat and back member 312 has a seat portion 314 and a back portion316, both of which may be fabric covered or be provided with any othermeans for supporting weight between spaced rigid bar members, such aswebs, straps, rope, bands, etc.

The handles 324 and 326 are pivotally connected to the top of the rear"X" member 304 by offset pivots 340 and 342 which permit pivotingfront-to-rear and left-to-right, essentially for folding the mobileseating arrangement.

The framework 302 has front legs 344 and 346 having upper ends 301 and303, serving as arm rests, connected to the rigid side members 320 and322 of the back portion 316 by pivot couplers 350 and 352. The framework302 also has rear legs 354 and 356 which are rigidly connected to sidecoupler plates 360 and 362. The side plates 360 and 362 each have rearand front arcuate slots 364 and 366. The seat portion 314 has rigid sidemembers 370 and 372 which are provided with left and right outwardlyprojecting slides 380 and 382 riding in slots 364 and 366.

Bottom telescoping tubes 392 and 394, as best seen in FIGS. 25 and 26,are pivotally connected to the seat rigid side members 370 and 372 bybottom tube pivot connectors shown on the left side at 339 (right sidebottom tube pivot connector not visible). The bottom telescoping tubes392 and 394 move into and out of the bottoms of rigid sides members 320and 322 of the back portion 316.

As the embodiment 300 moves from the upright position shown in FIGS. 23and 25 to the recumbent position shown in FIGS. 24 and 26, thetelescoping portions 328 and 330 of handles 324 and 326 extend furtherout of the side members 320 and 322 as the slides 380 and 382 move fromthe rear of arcuate slots 364 and 366 to the fronts thereof. The bottomtelescoping tubes 392 and 394 may move further out or further in,dependent upon the desired configuration and positional location of thearcuate slots 364 and 366.

In the upright position of the mobile seating arrangement shown in FIGS.23 and 25, the back portion 316 is substantially at right angles to theseat portion 314. As the handle 326 moves downward clockwise,represented by arrow 337a, the rigid side member 322, pivoting aboutpivot connector 307, moves its lower end also clockwise around pivotconnector 307. This causes the handle portion 330 to telescope out ofrigid side member 322 as shown by arrow 337b. Since the bottomtelescoping tube 394 must follow the forward movement of the bottom ofrigid side member 322, and because of its pivotal attachment to the seatportion 314 by bottom tube pivot connector 339, the seat portion 314 isforced to move forwardly and upwardly as indicated by the arrow 337c.

However, seat portion 314 is restricted in its rotational movement bythe slides 380 and 382 confined to within the arcuate slots 366 and 364,respectively. Accordingly, seat portion 314 follows a predeterminedangular path, and depending on the location of the arm pivot connector307, the distance between the arm pivot connector 307 and the bottomtube pivot connector 339, and the location and curvature of the slots366 and 364, the seat portion 314 and back portion 316 may take ondifferent relative angular positions from the upright position shown inFIG. 25 and the recumbent position shown in FIG. 26.

In the specific apparatus drawn in FIGS. 25 and 26, it will be notedthat, in moving from the upright to the recumbent position, the backportion 316 moves through a slightly larger angle than the seat portion314. The opposite angular relationship could also easily be realized by,for example a smaller radius of curvature for slots 366 and 364.

When the apparatus is moved to the recumbent position shown in FIG. 26,it will be observed that the rear "X" member 304 pivots about bottomrear "X" member pivot 341 on the wheel bracket 343. Wheel bracket 343mounts the lower ends of rear "X" member to pivot both front-to-rear andleft-to-right.

Slotted braces 321 and 323 are provided to extend from a brace pivot 327or rear legs 344 and 346 to a slide pin 335 sliding within a slot 331 ofthe brace 323. Braces 321 and 323 keep the front legs 344 and 346 frompivoting outwardly around pivot connector 307 due to a person's weightsitting in the seat of the mobile seating arrangement.

The mobile seating arrangement shown in FIGS. 23-26 can be collapsedside-to-side and front-to-rear for convenient and compact storage.

Prior to collapsing the mobile seating arrangement, the hinged strut 345must, of course, be released by pivoting its center in a manner commonlyknown in the art.

To accomplish the collapsing function, the seat portion 314 is pivotedupwardly relative to the back portion 316, bringing these two structurestogether (ultimately to be substantially coplanar as shown in FIG. 27).

Although brace 323 prevents sliding connector bracket 311 from movingdownwardly, the slot 331 provided in brace 323 permits the slidingconnector bracket 311 to move upwardly during the collapsing function.As the sliding connector bracket 311 moves upwardly, and seat portion314 moves into a coplanar relationship to the back portion 316, thefront "X" member 308 is extended vertically which, due to its scissorsaction, draws the front legs 344 and 346 together side-to-side. Becauseof the mechanical connection between the front legs 344 and 346, therigid side members 320 and 322 of the back portion 316, and the rear "X"member 304, the latter is forced to collapse inwardly as well, the crosselements of rear "X" member 304 being drawn together toward verticalparallelism to effect the full side-to-side collapsing function.

Due to the slot 331 provided in brace 323, the rear legs 354, 356 arepermitted to come into parallel relationship to the front legs 344 and346 as the sliding connector brackets 309 and 311 move upwardly to theposition shown in FIG. 27. In FIG. 27, it will be noted that the seatportion 314 and back portion 316 are substantially coplanar, the frontand rear "X" members 308 and 304 are in their maximum verticalextension, the slide pin 335 is moved toward the middle of brace 323,and the handle portion 330 has moved back down into the rigid sidemember 322.

In order to result in the compact collapsed configuration of FIG. 27,the rear "X" member 304 is constructed of slightly bent cross memberssuch that the top portion of the cross members lie in a plane at aslight angle relative to the plane of the lower portion of the crossmembers. As can be seen in FIG. 27, this is advantageous when the mobileseating arrangement is to be made collapsible front-to-rear, as it tendsto keep the collapsed structure weight balanced along a centerlinethrough the collapsed structure.

Embodiment of FIGS. 28-38

Referring now to FIGS. 28 through 38 of the drawing, there isillustrated an embodiment of the present invention generally designated400, which is provided with a folding framework 412 having a first orrear "X" member 414 and a second or front "X" member 418. A seat andback portion 422 having a back member 424 and a seat member 426 arecoupled together for a pivotal relation therebetween at coupler 30. Theseat and back portion 422 may have a fabric covering as illustrated asback fabric covering 424a and seat fabric covering 426a, or any otherdesired support for the person using the embodiment 400, for examplewebs, straps, ropes, bands, etc.

Rigid right and left side members 432 and 434 are provided on the backmember 424, and rigid right and left side members 436 and 438 areprovided on the seat member 426 for connection to the back member 424.

Right and left arm posts 470 and 472 are fixed to, and extend outwardlyfrom, the rigid side members 432 and 434. Right and left pivot couplings440 and 442 are provided between the extended ends of right and left armposts 470 and 472 of the seat and back portion 422 and the tops of rightand left leg members 474 and 476 of folding framework, to allow the seatand back portion 422 to move, i.e. tilt, in the directions of the arrow444 (FIG. 29) relative to the folding framework as shown in FIG. 29, orin the direction of arrow 444b in FIG. 31.

Hand release actuators 500 are connected between the right and leftrigid side members 432 and 434 of the back member 424 and the top of the"X" member 414.

The folding framework has right and left base members 454 (not visible)and 456 in which right and left telescoping tubes 458 (not visible) and460 are slidably mounted. The telescoping tubes 458 and 460 arepivotally connected by right and left pivot couplers 462 (not visible)and 464 to the fronts of right and left rigid side members 436 and 438.

As the seat and back portion 422 is move from the position shown in FIG.28 to the position shown in FIG. 29, the sliding tubes 504 move up onactuator shaft 502, and the telescoping tubes 458 and 460 move out ofthe base members 454 and 456. Such movement of the telescoping tubesallows the seat and back portion 422 to move to the recumbent positionof FIG. 29 from the upright seating position of FIG. 28. The backwardpivotal movement of the seat and back portion 422 moves the center ofgravity of the embodiment 400, and the person utilizing the embodiment400, rearwardly for safer control in going over obstacles, such as goingdown curbs, as well as for providing a more comfortable sleep position,as seen in FIG. 29.

FIG. 30 is a left elevational view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 28,with the seat and back portion 422 in the upright position. In thisposition, the seat member 426 and the back member 424 are essentially atright angles to one another. In this condition, a sliding connectorbracket 413 (only sliding connector bracket 413 is shown in FIGS. 30-32)which is adapted to slide axially along leg member 476 is shownapproximately at the center of leg member 476. Also, in this conditionof the mobile seating arrangement, the seat and back portion 422 is inthe upright position, and the folding framework of the apparatus isfully expanded for use as a functional stroller when it is desired thatthe person riding in the stroller be situated in a standard uprightposition.

As with the slotted bar 23 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-11, theovercenter hinge 441 provides rigidity for the structure, keepingsliding connector bracket 413 from moving from its position along legmember 476. For so long as overcenter hinge 441 is fully extended, it isin tension keeping the leg member 476 from moving forward relative tobase member 456. Also, in this condition, with overcenter hinge 441 intension, sliding connector bracket 413 is forced downwardly to buttagainst the top of stop tube 412 which is fixed to the leg member 476and provides a pivot point for the forward bar 423 of the overcenterhinge 441. Forward bar 423 is in tension with rear bar 449 under theseconditions as best seen in FIGS. 30 and 31. The slotted bar 447 ispivotally connected at one end to sliding connector bracket 413 and atthe slotted end to the pivotal connection between bars 423 and 449. Theslot in bar 447 is needed due to the distance between the pivot point onsliding connector bracket 413 and the pivot point between bars 447 and449 changing slightly as the mobile seating arrangement is collapsed andunfolded.

Importantly, when the mobile seating arrangement is in use, either withthe seat and back 422 in an upright position (FIGS. 28 and 30) or in arecumbent position (FIGS. 29 and 31), the two bars 423 and 449 of theovercenter hinge 441 are substantially axially aligned. This isimportant for preventing the structure from tending to collapse when thefront wheels of the mobile seating arrangement hit an object, such as acurb, or a wall. Thus, the three-piece overcenter hinge arrangement 441is an improvement over the single slotted bar 23 of the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-11, the latter-mentioned embodiment being susceptible to partialcollapsing upon the front wheels encountering an object when the mobileseating arrangement is moving forward.

It is further to be noted that in the upright or incumbent positionshown in FIGS. 30 and 31, the structure is in a very stable state due tothe triangulation of overcenter hinge 41 being in tension, theovercenter hinge 441 and slant tube 417 being connected to the basemember 456, and the connections of slant bar 417 and overcenter hinge441 to the leg member 476. Especially with a person sitting in the seatand back portion 422, the sliding connector bracket 413 is forcedsolidly against the top of stop tube 412. This triangulationconstruction firmly stabilizes the structure.

The front "X" member 418 is in its fully horizontally expanded conditionas viewed in FIGS. 28-31.

In FIG. 31, the slide tube 504 is slid to the top of actuator shaft 502,and since the bottom of the rear "X" member 414 is pivotally coupled tothe framework at the rear "X" member pivot 461, the back portion 424 maybe tilted at any angle permitted by the lengths of slide tube 504 andactuator shaft 502, shown by way of example in FIG. 31 at about 45degrees from the vertical, as compared to the approximately 5 degreeangle from vertical in the upright position shown in FIG. 30. Anglesdifferent from those depicted are achievable, dependent upon need.

Because of the need for the base of back 424 to move forward to attainthe angle shown in FIG. 31, due to the connection of the seat member 426to the telescoping tube 460 by the pivot coupler 464, the telescopingtube 460 likewise extends in telescoping fashion out of base member 456.

The rigid side member 434 represents the position of the back member 24,while the rigid side member 438 represents the position of the seatmember 426.

A U-shaped pivot coupler 464 is fixed to rigid side member 438 forpivotally supporting the upper end of telescoping tube 460. Base member456 is part of the folding framework. A slant tube 417 is fixed to thebase member 456, and its extended end is pivotally connected to thesliding connector bracket 413 by pivot pin 415. At the rear center ofsliding connector bracket 413, a pivot joint 421 pivotally mounts theupper end of the upper leg of front "X" member 418. The bottom leg offront "X" member 418 is affixed to a rotatable extension tube 427 whichis rotatably coupled to the leg member 476.

It should be noted that the overcenter hinge 441 is in the same positionin the upright position of the mobile seating arrangement as it is inthe recumbent position, i.e. the integrity of the framework remainsconstant as the seat and back portion 422 moves from the upright to therecumbent positions. In this connection, the pivoting action of the seatand back portion 422 is made possible by the pivot coupling 442 at thetop of leg member 476. That is, the entire seat and back portion 422essentially pivots about pivot coupling point 442.

It is to be noted that, in comparing the arrangements shown in FIGS. 30and 31, the only members which pivot when tilting the seat and backportion 422 are the back and seat portion 422 and the rear "X" member414. Of course, the arm posts 472, fixed to the back 424 follow the backmovement and are pivoted at pivot coupling 442. As explained, in orderto accommodate the tilting of the seat from the position shown in FIG.30 to that shown in FIG. 31 and back to the position in FIG. 30, thesliding tube 504 moves along actuator shaft 502. The remaining frameworkportion of the mobile seating arrangement remains stationary during thismovement of the seat and back portion from one extreme to the othershown in FIGS. 30 and 31.

Importantly, in the unfolded condition shown in FIGS. 28-31, theovercenter hinge 441 provides rigidity for the structure, keepingsliding connector bracket 413 from moving from its position along legmember 476. For so long as overcenter hinge 441 is fully extended,sliding connector bracket 413 is fixed in place, butted against the topof stop tube 412, and the seat member 426 and back member 424 are keptat right angles. As will be described hereinafter, the seat member 426and back member 424 may fold toward one another as overcenter hinge 441folds, i.e., bars 423 and 449 hinge about hinge point 441a.

A hinged strut 439 is provided, connected between the bottom of basemembers 454 and 456. The hinged strut 439 is of a common design in whichthe strut folds (hinges) at its middle when the mobile seatingarrangement is collapsed. The hinged strut 439 is hidden from view inFIGS. 30 and 31, but has the appearance identically the same as thatshown in the FIGS. 12 and 13 embodiment of the invention, shown there ashinged strut 139. The hinged strut 439 (FIGS. 28 and 29) has its hingeat the center of the strut moved upwardly to permit the framework tocollapse inwardly as the "X" members 414 and 418 collapse to approachvertical parallelism.

Thus, it will be appreciated that the hinged strut 439 is the only rigidconnection from left to right sides of the folding framework, and oncehinged, the "X" members 414 and 418 permit complete side-to-sidecollapsing of the apparatus to the condition shown in the side view ofthe collapsed stroller in FIG. 32.

In addition to collapsing inwardly left-to-right, it is also requiredfor minimum stowaway size that the mobile seating arrangement collapsefront-to-back as well.

To accomplish this, the mobile seating arrangement of FIGS. 28-38provides for collapsing of the folding framework in two stages, insofaras collapsing the arrangement front-to-back is concerned. First,regardless of the position of the seat in either the upright orrecumbent position, the sliding connector bracket 413 remains at thesame position along leg member 476.

The folding of the mobile seating arrangement of FIGS. 28-38 is similarto that of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-11, and reference is made to FIGS.6-8 and the accompanying description for details.

FIGS. 30-32 and 34-36 illustrate one type of hand release actuator 500,and FIG. 33 depicts a second type of hand release actuator 550. Actuator500 has the advantage of positioning the angle of the seat and backportion 422 at an infinite number of positions from upright torecumbent, while the embodiment in FIG. 33 employs an incremented, orstepped, telescoping arrangement for positioning the tilt angle of theseat and back portion 422.

With specific reference to FIGS. 28-32 and 34-36, the hand releaseactuator 500 has one end connected to the rigid side member 34, and theother end fixed to the handlebar 452. The actuator 500 is mounted at itsends by means of a screw or rivet connection through holes 516 and 518on opposite ends of a solid actuator shaft 502.

The top ends of rear "X" member 414 are connected to corresponding onesof pivotal connectors 506 or 508. Pivotal connectors 506 and 508 areprovided at opposite ends of the slide tube 504 so that the unit may bemounted in either vertical direction, and the rear "X" member 414 may bethen connected to the appropriate (upper) pivotal connector 506 or 508.

Slide tube 504 has, at its center, a clutch spring device 510 having afixed cable attachment tab 514 and a coil spring hook 513 to which cable503 is attached. Manipulating handle or lever 501, i.e. moving it towardthe handlebar 452, draws the coil spring hook 513 toward the cableattachment tab 514, tending to unwind the coil spring (not shown)wrapped around actuator shaft 502, releasing its grip on actuator shaft502 and allowing slide tube 504 to freely slide therealong. When thehand lever 501 is released, coil spring hook 513 returns to its positionshown in FIG. 36 at which the coiled spring (not shown), within clutchspring device 510, frictionally grasps shaft 502 preventing slide tube504 from further axial movement relative to shaft 502. Thus, actuatinghand lever 501 provides a clutch action for positioning the slide tube504 at any position along the shaft 502 from one end to the other, andtherefore positioning the seat and back portion 422 at any desired anglebetween the two limits as determined by the lengths of rod 502 and slidetube 504.

It is to be noted that employing a hand release actuator 500 or 550 isan improvement over the arrangement shown in FIGS. 1-11, in that theseat position in the first embodiment of FIGS. 1-11 is selected bypulling back on the handles 50, 52, and the mobile seating arrangementmaintains the angle selected reasonably well. However, if the rider ismoving to shift his or her weight, or if the mobile seating arrangementhits a bump, for example, the initially set angular position of thetilted seat and back portion 22 may be altered. In the embodiments ofFIGS. 28-33, the selected tilt position will be maintained due to thelocked or latched position of the upper end of rear "X" member 414 alongthe actuator shaft 502.

FIG. 33 illustrates a second embodiment of a hand release actuator 550,working in conjunction with a hand lever 551, a cable 553, an innertelescoping tube 554, and an outer telescoping tube 556. The lower,outer, telescoping tube 556 is mounted to the back side structure 424 bymeans of two short attachment tubes 558 and 560. The inner telescopingtube 554 slides within outer tube 556. A rubber protective cap 555 isshown covering the top of the inner and outer telescoping members.

Not shown in FIG. 33 is the axial latching arrangement in which a springbiased pin (not shown) is selectively positioned into one of a number ofholes (not shown) axially aligned along the inner surface of innertelescoping tube 554. By squeezing hand lever 551 to bring it closer tohandlebar 452, the cable 553 is effective to release the spring biasedpin from the hole into which it is captured and permits the telescopingtube 554 to move freely in and out of outer telescoping tube 556. Whenthe desired angular position of the seat and back portion 422 isachieved, the operator releases hand lever 551, and the spring biasedpin falls into the next adjacent hole for stabilizing the inner andouter telescoping tubes 554, 556, relative to one another. Although thepin and hole arrangement are not shown in FIG. 33, it is functionallysimilar to the operation of the tubular seat extension 29 shown indetail in FIG. 11 in which a latch pin 31 sets the seat extension 29 ata desired forward projected position. By moving the seat extension 29into and out of rigid side member 38 and fixing the latch pin 31 indifferent holes 33 along rigid side member 38, the seat extension 29 canassume a number of possible, selectable, positions. This is directlyanalogous to the operation of the hand release actuator 550 with theexception that, in FIG. 11, the latch pin 31 is manipulated manually,while in FIG. 33 a hand lever 551 and cable assembly 553 effects thesetting and releasing of the latch pin (not shown), the design of whichwould be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

In FIGS. 37 and 38, the foot rest position latch 600 is depicted inpartial cross-sectional view. The rigid seat side member 436 is shown tohave a downwardly bent end which fixedly receives the stub of a detentknob 610 having a plurality of inwardly formed notches 624 and 626. Thefoot rest support 602 leads to a pivoting foot rest which is best viewedin FIGS. 28 and 29. FIGS. 37 and 38 illustrate only the connectionbetween the foot rest support 602 and the rigid side member 436 of theseat portion 426.

The foot rest support 602 is pivotally mounted to detent knob 610 bymeans of a pivot pin 612. Although foot rest support 602 is freelypivotal about the axis of pivot pin 612, it is desirable to set theposition of foot rest support 602 at various selectable, but fixed, footsupport positions. To accomplish this, a spring biased movable bar 616is selectively engaged in one of the notches 624, 626. As a result, footrest support 602 is set to a fixed angular position and is preventedfrom further rotation about pivot pin 612.

To rotate foot rest support 602 to a different desired angle, theoperator pulls downwardly on the ears 622 of release tube 618. Thespring biased movable bar 616 has its ends fixed to the release tube 618as best seen in FIG. 38. The spring 620 is a compression spring pushingupwardly against bar 616 and downwardly against a stop 628 fixed to theinner surface of foot rest support 602 by any known means. By theoperator pushing downwardly on ears 622, movable bar 616 is pulleddownwardly against the action of compression spring 620 sufficient toclear the outer diameter surface of detent knob 610. In this condition,the foot rest support 602 may be freely rotated to any other desiredangular position. When the ears 622 of release tube 618 are released,the spring 620 then presses movable bar 616 upwardly to engage thedesired notch 622, 624.

While only certain embodiments have been set forth, alternativeembodiments and various modifications will be apparent from the abovedescription to those skilled in the art. For example: other slidingmechanisms can be used in place of the telescoping mechanisms shown anddescribed (such as parallel sliding bars, parallel male and femaleslotted members, sliding tube and rod members, slidable channel andT-bar members, slidable dovetail arrangements, and nested C-channel railmembers); which sections of a telescoping mechanism slides within theother is generally a matter of choice; the angles of movement may bechosen differently than those suggested herein in describing thepreferred embodiments, by applying general mechanical principles; anddifferent pivoting mechanisms than those shown and described hereincould be used; to name a few. These and other alternatives areconsidered equivalents and within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A stroller arrangement, comprising:a laterallycollapsible front frame member having an upper end and a lower end; alaterally collapsible rear frame member having an upper end and a lowerend; a back support frame having upper and lower ends and a pivot forpivotally coupling said front frame member upper end to said backsupport frame intermediate said upper and lower back support frame ends;a slide mechanism slidably coupling said rear frame member upper end tosaid back support frame; and a seat support frame having a forward endand a rear end, said rear end coupled to said back support frame lowerend; whereby tilting said back support frame upper end rearwardly tiltssaid back and seat support frames about said pivot, and said rear framemember upper end slides upwardly relative to said back support frame. 2.The stroller arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein:said laterallycollapsible front and rear frame members each comprise cross elementswhich may be pivotally brought together laterally to collapse said frontand rear frame members and fold said back support frame and said seatsupport frame.
 3. The stroller arrangement as claimed in claim 1,comprising:a releasable latch coupled to said slide mechanism and, in alatched condition, maintaining the relative positions of said rear framemember upper end and said back support frame, thereby maintaining afixed tilt relationship between said seat and back support frames andsaid collapsible front and rear frame members; whereby: upon release ofsaid latch to an unlatched condition, said rear frame member upper endis freed to slide relative to said back support frame and alter saidtilt relationship.
 4. The stroller arrangement as claimed in claim 2,comprising:a releasable rigid latch maintaining said cross elementsangularly displaced from one another; whereby upon release of said rigidlatch, said cross elements are freed to be brought together laterally tocollapse said front and rear frame members and fold against said backsupport frame and said seat support frame.
 5. The stroller arrangementas claimed in claim 1, comprising:coupling devises for maintaining saidback support frame and said seat support frame at a relative angle withrespect to each other of approximately 90° when said strollerarrangement is in use.
 6. The stroller arrangement as claimed in claim3, comprising:a pivot connection between said seat support frame andsaid back support frame; and an elongated extendable and retractableseat base member including a first pivot connection pivotally couplingsaid forward end of said seat base member adjacent said forward end ofsaid seat support frame, and a second pivot connection pivotallycoupling said rear end of said seat base member to said rear framemember lower end, thereby maintaining a fixed angle between said seatsupport frame and said back support frame as said back support frame istilted, defining a range of seating positions from relatively upright torelatively recumbent.
 7. The stroller arrangement as claimed in claim 6,comprising:left and right leg members upon which lateral sides of saidcollapsible front frame member are pivoted; and an overcenter hingearrangement extending between said leg members and said seat basemember, said overcenter hinge arrangement having a stable overcentercondition at which said leg members and said seat base member arerigidly presented from moving relative to one another, said overcenterhinge arrangement having a released condition permitting said legmembers and said seat base member to fold against one another in afront-to-rear direction.
 8. The stroller arrangement as claimed in claim7, wherein:said laterally collapsible front and rear frame members eachcomprise cross elements which may be pivotally brought togetherlaterally to collapse said front and rear frame members and fold saidback support frame and said seat support frame; whereby said strollerarrangement is collapsible laterally and in a front-to-rear direction.9. The stroller arrangement as claimed in claim 7, comprising:a slidingconnector bracket slidably coupling said collapsible front frame memberto said leg members.
 10. The stroller arrangement as claimed in claim 9,wherein:said overcenter hinge arrangement is coupled to said leg membersvia said sliding connector bracket.
 11. The stroller arrangement asclaimed in claim 3, wherein said releasable latch comprises:an elongatedactuator shaft extending from said back support frame upper end to alocation intermediate said upper and lower back support frame ends; alocking release actuator movable along said actuator shaft andreleasably lockable thereto at any position along said elongatedactuator shaft; and a handle connected to said actuator such thatmovement of said handle in one direction releases said actuator fromsaid actuator shaft, and movement of said handle in an oppositedirection locks said actuator to said actuator shaft.
 12. The strollerarrangement as claimed in claim 11, comprising:a spring device biasingsaid handle to said opposite direction, whereby operator manipulation ofsaid handle in said one direction releases said actuator from saidactuator shaft, and operator releasing of said handle moves said handlein said opposite direction to lock said actuator to said actuator shaft.13. A stroller arrangement, comprising:a laterally collapsible framehaving a front and a rear; a back support frame having upper and lowerends and a pivot connection for pivotally coupling said frame front tosaid back support frame intermediate said upper and lower back supportframe ends; a slide mechanism slidably coupling said frame rear to saidback support frame; and a seat support frame having a rear end coupledto said back support frame lower end; whereby tilting said back supportframe upper end rearwardly tilts said back frame about said pivotconnection, moves said seat support frame forwardly, and slides saidframe rear upwardly relative to said back support frame.
 14. Thestroller arrangement as claimed in claim 13, wherein:said laterallycollapsible frame front and rear comprise, respectively, front and rearframe members each comprising cross elements which may be pivotallybrought together laterally to collapse said front and rear frame membersand fold said back support frame and said seat support frame.
 15. Thestroller arrangement as claimed in claim 13, comprising:a leasable latchcoupled to said slide mechanism and, in a latched condition, maintainingthe relative positions of said rear frame member upper end and said backsupport frame, thereby maintaining a fixed tilt relationship betweensaid seat and back support frames and said collapsible frame; wherebyupon release of said latch to an unlatched condition, said frame rear isfreed to slide relative to said back support member and alter said tiltrelationship.
 16. The roller arrangement as claimed in claim 14,comprising:a releasable rigid latch maintaining said cross elementsangularly displaced from one another; whereby upon release of said rigidlatch, said cross elements may be brought together laterally to collapsesaid front and rear frame members and fold against said back supportframe and said seat support frame.
 17. The roller arrangement as claimedin claim 13, comprising:coupling devises for maintaining said backsupport frame and said seat support frame at a relative angle withrespect to each other of approximately 90° when said strollerarrangement is in use.
 18. The roller arrangement as claimed in claim13, comprising:a pivot connection between said seat support frame andsaid back support frame; and an elongated extendable and retractableseat base member including a first pivotal coupling at one end of saidseat base member coupling said seat base member to said seat supportframe, and a second pivotal coupling at the other end of said seat basemember coupling said seat base member to said frame rear, therebymaintaining a fixed angle between said seat support frame and said backsupport frame as said back support frame is tilted, defining a range ofseating positions from relatively upright to relatively recumbent. 19.The stroller arrangement as claimed in claim 18, wherein said framefront comprises:left and right leg member; and an overcenter hingearrangement extending between said leg members and said seat basemember, said overcenter hinge arrangement having a stable overcentercondition at which said leg members and said seat base member arerigidly prevented from moving relative to one another, said overcenterhinge arrangement having a released condition permitting said legmembers and said seat base member to align parallel to one another andpermitting folding of said frame in a front-to-rear direction.
 20. Thestroller arrangement as claimed in claim 19, wherein:said laterallycollapsible frame front and rear comprise, respectively, front and rearframe members each comprising cross elements which may be pivotallybrought together laterally to collapse said front and rear frame membersand fold said back support frame and said seat support frame; wherebysaid stroller arrangement is collapsible laterally and in afront-to-rear direction.
 21. The stroller arrangement as claimed inclaim 19, comprising:a sliding connector bracket slidably coupling saidseat support frame to said leg members.
 22. The stroller arrangement asclaimed in claim 15, wherein said releasable latch comprises:anelongated actuator shaft extending from said back support frame upperend to a location intermediate said upper and lower back support frameends; a locking release actuator movable along said actuator shaft andreleasably lockable thereto at any position along said elongatedactuator shaft; and a handle connected to said actuator such thatmovement of said handle in one direction releases said actuator fromsaid actuator shaft, and movement of said handle in an oppositedirection locks said actuator to said actuator shaft.
 23. The strollerarrangement as claimed in claim 22, comprising:a spring device biasingsaid handle to said opposite direction, whereby operator manipulation ofsaid handle in said one direction releases said actuator from saidactuator shaft, and operator releasing of said handle moves said handlein said opposite direction to lock said actuator to said actuator shaft.24. A stroller arrangement, comprising:a front frame member having anupper end and a lower end; a rear frame member having an upper end and alower end; a back support frame having upper and lower ends and a pivotfor pivotally coupling said front frame upper end to said back supportframe intermediate said upper and lower back support frame ends; a slidemechanism slidably coupling said rear frame member upper end to saidback support frame; and a seat support frame having a forward end and arear end, said rear end coupled to said back support frame lower end;whereby tilting said back support frame upper end rearwardly tilts saidback support frame about said pivot, moves said seat support frameforwardly, and slides said rear frame member upper end upwardly relativeto said back support frame.
 25. The stroller arrangement as claimed inclaim 24, wherein:said front frame member is laterally collapsible; saidrear frame member is laterally collapsible; and said laterallycollapsible front and rear frame members each comprise cross elementswhich may be pivotally brought together laterally to collapse said frontand rear frame members and fold said back support frame and said seatsupport frame.
 26. The stroller arrangement as claimed in claim 24,comprising:a releasable latch coupled to said slide mechanism and, in alatched condition, maintaining the relative positions of said rear framemember upper end and said back support frame, thereby maintaining afixed tilt relationship between said seat and back support frames andsaid collapsible front and rear frame members; whereby upon release ofsaid latch to an unlatched condition, said rear frame member upper endis freed to slide relative to said back support member and alter saidtilt relationship.
 27. The stroller arrangement as claimed in claim 25,comprising:a releasable rigid latch maintaining said cross elementsangularly displaced from one another; whereby upon release of said rigidlatch, said cross elements are freed to be brought together laterally tocollapse said front and rear frame members and fold against said backsupport frame and said seat support frame.
 28. The roller arrangement asclaimed in claim 24, comprising:coupling devises for maintaining saidback support frame and said seat support frame at a relative angle withrespect to each other of approximately 90° when said strollerarrangement is in use.
 29. The roller arrangement as claimed in claim24, comprising:a pivot connection between said seat support frame andsaid back support frame; and an elongated extendable and retractableseat base member including a first pivot connection pivotally couplingsaid forward end of said seat base member adjacent said forward end ofsaid seat support frame, and a second pivot connection pivotallycoupling said rear end of said seat base member to said rear framemember lower end, thereby maintaining a fixed angle between said seatsupport frame and said back support frame as said back support frame istilted, defining a range of seating positions from relatively upright torelatively recumbent.
 30. The stroller arrangement as claimed in claim25, comprising:left and right leg members upon which lateral sides ofsaid front frame member are pivoted; and an overcenter hinge arrangementextending between said leg members and said seat base member, saidovercenter hinge arrangement having a stable overcenter condition atwhich said leg members and said seat base member are rigidly presentedfrom moving relative to one another, said overcenter hinge arrangementhaving a released condition permitting said leg members and said seatbase member to fold against one another in a front-to-rear direction.31. The stroller arrangement as claimed in claim 30 wherein:saidlaterally collapsible front and rear frame members each comprise crosselements which may be pivotally brought together laterally to collapsesaid front and rear frame members and fold said back support frame andsaid seat support frame; whereby said stroller arrangement iscollapsible laterally and in a front-to-rear direction.
 32. The strollerarrangement as claimed in claim 24, comprising: a pair of foot rest;afoot support upon which a users foot may rest; and a positioningmechanism for positioning said foot support at selected angularpositions relative to said seat support frame.
 33. The strollerarrangement as claimed in claim 24, wherein each said foot restcomprises:a first linkage coupled between said seat support frame distalend and said foot support; and wherein said first linkage is angularlypositionable by said positioning mechanism at selected angular positionsrelative to said seat support frame.
 34. The stroller arrangement asclaimed in claim 33, wherein said first linkage is pivotable relative tosaid seat support frame.
 35. The stroller arrangement as claimed inclaim 24, wherein each said foot rest comprises:a second linkage coupledbetween said first linkage and said foot support; and a swivel jointcoupling said foot support to said second linkage member.
 36. Thestroller arrangement as claimed in claim 35, wherein:each saidpositioning mechanism comprises a spring biased detent arrangement; andsaid relative angular position of said first linkage and said seatsupport frame is locked in selectable detent positions under theinfluence of a spring.
 37. The stroller arrangement as claimed in claim36, wherein each said positioning mechanism comprises:a manuallyoperated release tab movable against the force of said spring todisengage said detent arrangement and allow angular repositioning ofsaid first linkage relative to said seat support frame to secondselected detented angular position, whereupon release by the user ofsaid release tab allows said spring to effect a locked detent functionat said second selected angular position.